When your objective is to lose weight and have a healthy lifestyle, exercise is your friend – but it’s a different kind of friendship than that of the athlete who is exercising towards a different goal.

Weight loss surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious health problems related to obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding may be an option for people with a BMI of 30 or more who have at least one serious obesity-related health problem. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like any surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.